Jewish Community Partners

As Federation leaders prepared to launch this year’s Annual Community Campaign, there was much discussion and reflection on the previous year – how the tragic October 7 attack on Israel influenced every decision Federation made, what lessons were learned, and what was accomplished.

Notably, Federation had an unprecedented fundraising year, resulting in more than $8 million in gifts for global and local needs. The growth of last year’s campaign resulted in budget increases for community relations and security, funding for 25,000 senior hot meals, and more support for local day schools and religious schools. Federation also led a $1.1 million beautification campaign for the Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center on the University of Memphis campus.

Laura Linder, President and CEO of Jewish Community Partners captured the feeling and impact of the 2024 Campaign during her remarks at the Annual Meeting this past June. She shared, “It wasn’t by chance that we rallied hundreds in our community just days after the horrific attack of October 7. We supported our Israel brothers and sisters, and we never dropped the ball on meeting our local community needs. In fact, we elevated our support to a level that we have never reached before, raising nearly $4 million. We were made for times like these.”

“As we launch the 2025 Campaign,” said Laura, “we are confident our five campaign priorities are in direct alignment with the work Federation is doing and wants to continue doing for years to come. We are here to keep our community safe, care for our local and global Jewish families, address the rise in antisemitism, build leaders for tomorrow, and inspire Jewish joy.”

Scott Notowich, Federation Board Chair, explained, “For this Campaign, we could not ask for better leaders than Lisa Menuskin and Molly Lane. They both have deep ties to the Memphis Jewish community and a deep passion and dedication to Federation’s work. Lisa and Molly will be critical to building Foundation resources for now and for the years to come.”

When asked to serve as Campaign Co-Chair, Lisa happily accepted, saying, “After serving on the Board, co-chairing Federation’s Campaign felt like a meaningful opportunity to further leverage my professional experience and step out of my comfort zone. Federation’s role in promoting Jewish identity has become especially significant to me now that my grown children are in Memphis, and I hope to watch my future grandchildren grow up here as well.”

Molly Lane, who is also serving as Campaign Co-Chair, echoed Lisa’s sentiments about Jewish identity and service, saying, “I have grown up watching my parents be active in the Memphis Jewish community and donate their time and money to various Jewish causes. It is my time to give back, and I hope my children will follow me and participate in building this community’s future when they are adults.”

Every year, 1,200 households in the Memphis Jewish community demonstrate their commitment to Federation and its work through their generous donations. Those donations help fund grants for local programs and services requesting Federation dollars.

Programs and services requesting grants are carefully reviewed by Federation’s grants committee, under the leadership of Michelle Katz and Sarah Lewis. Programs selected to receive grants are focused on social services, Jewish identity, and Jewish engagement.

Joining the Campaign leadership team are Cindy Finestone and Kimberlee Strome, who are serving as Lion of Judah co-chairs. Jana Weiskopf and Jenny Cook will help lead recruitment for Federation’s Ben Gurion Society.

“Our Jewish world is always evolving,” said Laura, “and Federation must be able to pivot when needed. That’s why the unrestricted campaign is so important. It gives us the ability to direct resources where they are needed most. Together we are building and sustaining our vibrant Jewish community, for now and for generations to come.”